British Internet service providers BT and TalkTalk recently failed in their effort to challenge the country’s Digital Economy Act, but now come back with a statement which undoubtedly confirms their intent to continue the fight against what they call “erroneous” anti-piracy means, as they are stipulated by the UK’s Digital Economy Act.

Both Internet service providers repeatedly pointed out that apart from the potential impact the new anti-piracy legislation may have on their businesses, they think that the Digital Economy Act could also harm the fundamental rights and freedoms of the British citizens.

The ISPs argued that the legislation violated the privacy of Internet users, and that the law was disproportionate and unable to work efficiently. Another point for argument was the part of the law where the ISPs were required to pay 1/4 of the costs of delivering warning to thousands of Internet users. That was the only count the court agreed with BT and TalkTalk, saying that they wouldn’t have to pay Ofcom’s costs of implementing the law.

The two broadband providers made a statement last Friday, saying that they are going to appeal against a decision High Court handed out this past April. The decision was clear enough – the court simply threw out the complaints of the Internet service providers over the Digital Economy Act almost totally. The Department for Media, Culture and Sport admitted that it has already noted the decision of BT and TalkTalk to apply to the Court of Appeal against the judicial review decision.

Meanwhile, the entertainment industry as a whole and rights owners in particular are quite happy with the legislation in its present form, because it is very protective of them. Besides, the copyright holders have the support of the Department for Media, Culture and Sport, which is confirmed by the recent announcement of the latter, where it said that the British government is still confident that the decision handed out by the High Court was right. Therefore, the authorities keep working hard to implement the new legislation as it is.

However, the ISPs are supported by the other outfits like consumer groups. For example, Consumer Focus group pointed out that the recent decision didn’t clarify how users unfairly accused of infringement could avoid penalties.

the uk isp's are known to dislike the Digital Economy Act and anything to do with 3 strikes and cutting off, a vote was taken by all the uk isp company's a few years ago and everyone said no to cutting off and three strikes, so the goverment came up with the Digital Economy Act to force them to do it

I find it strange the ISP's don't cut off the government. All they would have to do is introduce a small addendum to their T&C saying that they can disconnect any users who's actions cause them (the ISP) financial loss (under the guise of piracy issues), then, any members of parliment (or other agencies) who bring out legislation that would cost the ISPs money is in breech of their T&C and can be cut off.

Let's see how the government/BPI/etc. gets along with out email or internet!

And why aren't the other ISPs supporting BT/Talk Talk, surely it's in their interests too?